Sunday, July 10, 2011

A few days after Graduation, we had Ian's Eagle Ceremony at the Arobretum where his project was installed. We hoped and prayed the weather would hold this summer morning and it did! Beneath the shade of the trees in a peaceful setting, we gathered to celebrate Ian's climb to Eagle, the highest rank in scouting.

Mr. Wes Gibson reads the requirements for Eagle that Ian completed.

Surrounded by his brother Eagles, Mr. Wes reads tells Ian his responsibilities as an Eagle Scout.

Ian's parents and grandparents of the Eagle Scout!

Grandpa places the Eagle scarf over Ian's boy scout scarf, once the Eagle Scarf is in place, Grandma removes the boy scout scarf...indicating that Ian is never left without his scouting mantle.

A new Eagle Slide

Mr. Wes reads the Eagle Charge...

John places Ian's Eagle medal on to his uniform!

Ian presents Mr. Coit with his mentor pin. Mr. Coit is one of those adults that assisted, prodded, taught, comforted and lead Ian on his path to Eagle! Those two were always into something and two peas in a pod at scout camp!

Ian presents all of those who assisted him with his Eagle project with a thank you pin. He couldn't have completed the project without volunteers who donated many hours to his project and saw it to completion!

Ian had scouts and adults from three different troops assist him with his project! Scouting is a huge part of our lives here.

Ian reached the point in his Scouting career to complete his Eagle Project to earn the highest rank in Boy Scouting, Eagle. After much consideration, Ian chose to work with the Chesapeake Arboritum. This homestead estate not only has plant life indiginous of the area, they also have beautiful landscaping for locals to enjoy.

In addition to the lovely landscaping, there are miles of trails with bridges and areas to watch the wildlife around the arboritum. Many scouts have traveled the paths learning about the trees and plant life in Virginia.

Ian chose to be a part of educating those who visit the Arboritum by building an education kiosk. This kiosk will hold photos, a trail map, and information about plant life and animals that may be encountered on the trails.

Ian raised money and worked with a contractor who volunteered his time to design a kiosk specifically for the Arboretim. Ian also recruited people to help build the kiosk off site and a group of volunteers to install the kiosk as well as volunteers to paint!

After it was all said and done, a year had gone by, 197 hours were involved in building, installing and painting the kiosk. This sturdy structure provides the Chesapeake Arboretum with a kiosk in dollar amounts a $5,000.00 structure to be enjoyed for years to come!

The Homestead

Mr. Mick and Ian discussing the potential Eagle project at the Arboretum- Mr.Mick is the Scout Liaison at the Arboretum and also active in the area's Scouting Council.

﻿﻿

Mr. Ricci explains how the roof of the kiosk will be constructed.

﻿﻿

Mr. Tracy and Mr. Scott cut the wood for the beams.

﻿

Mr. Paul and Mr. Joe help nail in the beams

﻿

Ian, his dad, Mr. Coit, Ben and Mr. Joe Ricci install the kiosk!

Mr. Joe Ricci nails the plywood inplace

Bradly, Ian and John paint the kiosk. At first, the paint sprayer didn't work. We were all bummed. We got out the paint brushes and rollers and began to put on the first coat! Luckily, John got the sprayer working again!

The kiosk is painted!! Now for the display to go up!!

Completed and ready for use! The Arboretum has begun to put up the their displays and signs!

Ian inspected the display boxes he and his dad put on the kiosk great for maps, pictures,
displays of plant or animal life around the grounds!

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Time sure did fly by! One minute he was in Kindergarten and the next thing we knew it, he was preparing to graduate from high school!

Ian practiced wearing his cap and gown around the house until I made him put it up before he damaged it! I did let him wear the cap while he studied..he said it was inspiring....lol whatever.

Finally, the big day arrives! He donned his cap, gown, and honors collar and his academic and forensic medals and was ready to hit the road to the ceremony site!

John and Ian just before he heads out the door to head for the graduation site. We'll meet him there.

Wait! A special picture with Grandpa! Grandpa, nice shoes!! lol

Traiveon and Ian, in their caps and gowns, ready to get their diplomas!! Traiveon and Ian have been in orchestra together since 8th grade!

Ian is an honors grad...and is one of the first to receive his diploma!

Ian and Arrick have been so fortunate to have so many wonderful teachers at Indian River High school. They have been teachers, mentors and friends. These are a few of the very special teachers who have changed Ian's life! Mr. Clayton. Ian's German teacher! Ian speaks nearly fluent German thanks to this man. He didn't let Ian get away with anything in his classes! lol Ian has passed an exam in D.C. that basically states according to the German Government, Ian speaks basic German very well! Ian also attended the Governor's School for the Arts, German Academy, because of this guy right here!

Dr. Shabazz...Ian's Forensics Coach! Another giant in Ian's life at Indian River. This man taught, coached, nagged and harassed Ian to do a better job and because of his efforts and support, Ian went to State competition twice and placed high both times! Ian will be auditioning again, for George Mason's Forensice Team this fall.

The first group to line up and receive their diplomas!

Mr. Frye presents Ian with his diploma! I told Ian I wouldn't embarass him this time, all bets are off for his college graduation. oh yeah!!

Mrs. Dortch, on the left of Mr. Frye, is another one of the teachers/ vice principals that guided and parented, and taught our kids. Mrs. Dortch loves Forensics so she was #1 in Ian's book!

The reader board in the stadium at the Ted Constant Center where the graduation took place!

h ehe we caught his attention!! See that look? It's the look of ...."Chill"....l

proud parents of our graduate!!

Proud grandma and grandpa too!! Dad and Jane flew in to celebrate graduation and Eagle with Ian!

In April of 2011, Ian along with the rest of the Indian River High School went to New York City to compete in an Music Festival. Indian River placed 2nd in their division! The Mayor of Chesapeake wanted to meet these wonderful musicians. We learned that Mayor Krasnoff had a special place in his heart for Indian River. He used to be a coach there!

Here are part of the group, posing with the Mayor and their director!

The musicians smoozing with the mayor and talking about "The River"....

As a final act of recognition, Mayor Krasnoff presented the group and their accomplishment to the city council. Each student received a certificate of recognition by the council from the mayor.

Welcome!!

Hi there! welcome to our blog! I created this blog to help keep in touch with our vast number of family and friends across these United States and the world. It's my hope to document the adventures we have. Having two teenaged sons, we have some adventures! We hope that you will enjoy our blog and being a part of our lives! Please feel free to leave a comment and say hello!